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With OTAs coming to a close and minicamp next week – the final on-field work for veterans before breaking up for the summer – the Cardinals brought back another veteran piece Tuesday.

The team re-signed linebacker Clark Haggans, who has spent the last four years of his previous 12 NFL seasons with the Cards, to a one-year deal. Last year, starting all 16 games, Haggans had 54 tackles and three sacks. O’Brien Schofield is expected to replace Haggans in the starting lineup this season across from Sam Acho, but Haggans has been as valuable in the locker room as on the field, mentoring guys like Schofield and Acho.

The Cards cut undrafted rookie linebacker Broderick Binns to make room for Haggans.

The 35-year-old Haggans, who has kept himself in great shape throughout his career, was long thought to be a target to return at some point. Having played in Pittsburgh his first eight seasons, his familiarity with the defensive scheme of former Steelers assistant Ray Horton made getting to all the OTAs less important.

Haggans was leaning toward a return after the season was over, even has he understood his role could be changing and his influence on the young linebackers as important as his play. “It makes me feel a little older, like I should have a rocking chair in front of my locker, but it’s a lot of fun,” Haggans said at the time.

The Cardinals could still end up re-signing veteran defensive end Vonnie Holliday as well. Both he and Haggans have remained possibilities in their free agent status despite the weeks passing in the offseason. I’ll have more from/about Haggans — who is practicing today — after the workout.

Hey Darren –Hope all is well!– I think this is a good move especially from the leadership aspect. He has been a good soldier and should pave the way for our young guys. I think we have nice balance between veterans and young players at that position.

Always liked the passion that Haggans brings to the locker room and workout room.

Great move Front Office!!!

P.S. Darren, it seems like the players in general this year are more positive than years past. From the new Rhodes article to the Floyd article, offense and defense seem very upbeat. Are you getting the sense that things are moving a little bit better this season than past seasons? Or am I reading too much into it?

I think the confidence is high on defense especially. They were so confused for so long with the new D, and they saw the results when they “got it.” Those guys are anxious to build on it. Offensively there is confidence, but it won’t be as sweeping — between the rehabs of the RBs and the QB situation, there is a lot of unknown there.

So glad the Cards showed smarts AND class. Yes, Clark is very valuable in passing along the “got it” part that is showing results as regards defense. SOoooo much resistance here is what held back the change. I know some will diss him but they know so little!!!

I hope Haggans can play as the backup behind O’Brien Schofield. If O’Brien really struggles during the regular season, then Haggans can return as the starter and Schofield will be the starter next season.

Holliday is folding towels at his wife’s spa and resting his legs – he’s about ready to escape the errands he runs for her every day and get back to work. I didn’t expect them to sign Holliday until training camp. With the inking of Haggans the pressure of competition to make the team falls on Quinton Groves and Brandon Williams and maybe Antonio Coleman for the last OLB spot.
In the old days of watching the Redskins’ roster I’d see George Allen perenially cut older vets like Jack Pardee and Diron Talbert who had big contracts that other teams wouldn’t touch just so he could hide younger players he wanted to keep. A week later Pardee and Talbert would be back on the team starting again.

I do not see the old CSU grad making the team one more season, I do see this as an audition for Clark Haggans to get into the Cards organiation as a special assistant coach, and / or helping the Cards in some other role.

This is definitely a good signing. He and Holiday played very well last season and Haggans played a valuable part in the defense last season. Chris seems to have a financial stake in the signing or?????

This is great news! Haggans worked hard and knows the system which will be a big plus. I hope they sign Holiday as well to provide the anchor some of the vets provide as well as depth. Looking at teams like Green Bay, the Steelers, Ravens, it seems that a big secret to their continued successes lies in maintaining continuity and instead of total roster overhauls the gradual integration of rookies. We need both and while we have done well with our rookie acquisitions in the last year, we still need these guys like Haggans and Holiday who have a good work ethic and are playing for the love of the game not the celebrity. Good job Coach Whiz & Company!

I am glad that Haggans is coming back. He’ll be a situational player and mentor/leader for our young OLBs. I love that Holliday will also most likely be in the fold soon too. He’ll make an even bigger impact than Haggans, on the field and off it.